It may come as a surprise but yes, there is a day recognizing one of our favorite caffeinated beverages.

In 2014, the International Coffee Organization declared October 1^st as International Coffee Day, with National Coffee Day being celebrated two days earlier on September 29^th. Both days give coffee lovers an occasion to celebrate their favorite beverage, which just so happens to be the most consumed drink in the world, as well as a great way to learn more about this ancient drink.

With a very long history, the start of coffee can be traced back to around 700 AD. As time progressed, so did coffee itself, receiving more attention and eventually progressing into the drink it is today. These days the caffeinated beverage is regarded as one of the greatest crops. It’s safe to say, coffee lovers have been enjoying their favorite “Cup O’ Joe” for a very long time!

If you are an avid coffee drinker, then you know what it feels like to smell the aroma of a freshly brewed pot. Day in and day out people all over the world wake up anticipating that first sip. Whether you need that first cup the moment you wake up, to get the day started, or even to help you make it through the day, there are so many ways to enjoy all of the different kinds of blends.

Did you know….

• The U.S. spends more than $40 billion on coffee each year and on average, Americans drink about 146 billion cups of coffee every year? That’s a lot of coffee! In addition, 64% of adults consume coffee daily, with the average person drinking approximately 3.1 cups per day.
• Coffee also works as an anti-stress substance thanks in part to the dopamine and serotonin. Caffeine is one of the most common stimulators of the central nervous system and for some people having a cup of coffee calms their nerves. For others, just the smell alone can do the trick.
• Another perk, it’s actually good for you! Coffee has many powers – it can wake you up, aide you in being more productive, and has some good health effects. It’s also a great source of antioxidants.According to a health publishing study conducted by Harvard, coffee drinker’s tend to live longer and have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
• You’ve heard the saying, a “Cup O’ Joe,” but did you ever wonder, “who’s Joe?” During President Woodrow Wilson’s presidency, Navy secretary Josephus Daniels banned alcohol from all warships during WW1. Sailers needed a replacement and coffee was it. Sarcastically, they called it “Cup of Jospeh.”
• Right after water, coffee is the most consumed beverage. It is also the second and largest traded commodity, right after crude oil.

Nowadays, there are many different kinds of coffee to choose from. Whether you enjoy a latte, a cappuccino, an espresso, or maybe an Americano, the different blends, strengths, and flavors provide coffee lovers with an array of options.

With National Coffee Day right around the corner, what better way to celebrate than to try a a new coffee inspired recipe, a new flavor, or even a completely different brew than you normally drink.

Along with the larger coffee chains, there are many wonderful local coffee shops where you can grab your favorite brew. Brooklyn is filled with endless choices so ask around, check out your neighbored, or do a search online to discover some of the borough’s popular spots and hidden gems. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a few local shops to help you celebrate the day.

Sey Coffee – Located in the East Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, the cafe offers coffee lovers a unique experience. With it’s bright and airy atmosphere, this contemporary micro roastery serves a variety of the most dynamic and complex coffee selections.  18 Grattan Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Brooklyn Perk – Serving up peace, love, and unity along with their coffee, this local coffee shop, located in the Prospect Lefferts-Gardens section of Brooklyn offers cool vibes and a wide assortment of caffeinated beverages to choose from, along with a selection of sweet treats. 605 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Cup of Joe Coffee Co. – This vintage-inspired boutique coffee shop offers its customers the feel of a neighborhood cafe with the convenience of a quick service shop. Here you’ll find only the highest quality beans that are freshly roasted to perfection. 7407 5th Avenue, Brooklyn,NY  11209

Social House Cafe – This Williamsburg cafe offers not only an array of different coffees (the beans are imported directly from Italy) but their fall lattes, which include Nutella, lavender, and white chocolate, are the talk of the neighborhood. Along with your coffee, you can pick up a delicious French pastry or take a seat and enjoy a dish from their brunch menu. 60 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY  11249

Pep Bakehouse and Coffee Shop – With four locations within Brooklyn, Pep Bakehouse and Coffee Shop is a true artisan bakery, serving up fresh croissants and pastries daily using only fresh, local, and natural ingredients. And when it comes to their coffees, they work with the best Italian and Columbian manufacturers. From the wide assortment of baked goods, chances are you won’t be leaving empty-handed.

To help celebrate this caffeinated holiday, the Brooklyn MLS has teamed up with some local coffee businesses in bringing you some of the finest roasts. From September 29th – October 1st, we’ll be giving away one coffee basket per day. Participants will have the chance to win one of the following three:

• BKG Coffee Roasters: BKG Brew Kit (v60 pour over, coffee filters, two bags of coffee-$40)
• Brooklyn Roasting Company: Winter Gift Set (two tins of seasonal winter blend coffee and a mug-$40)
• Variety Coffee Roasters: v60 Kit (Hario v60 brewer, coffee filters, and a box of coffee-$40)

To enter, follow the Brooklyn MLS on Instagram and Facebook. Like our post, comment, tag a friend or two (more tags = more entries). Share the post to your Instagram story for extra entries!

However and wherever you choose to celebrate, Happy National Coffee Day!

Images Curtsy of Coffee Geek